Das Krematorium D, Germany

Das Krematorium D is an abandoned crematorium in Germany. This location was abandoned over two decades ago. So far, this is the first and only abandoned crematorium I have visited. I visited this location during The Easter GDR Tour 2018.

Stone steps take you from ground level to the main door of Das Krematorium D. The main door leads to the mourning hall. This tall octagonal room is mostly empty. Were services standing room only, or was the seating removed? At one time, a large black cross decorated the wall. Sadly this had been stolen prior to our visit. Looking close at the wall of the alcove, you can still see the ghostly outline where it once was hung.

Beneath the (former position of) the black cross is the metal remains of the viewing area. The body would be displayed here, and the bereaved would bid farewell. After this, the corpse was lowered on a platform to the sub-level. This was achieved with a water-pressure operated sinking system. A heavy metal cart awaited below to receive the body. A staff member pushed the cart via a rail system. Directing it onto a turntable. The turntable was used to direct the cart towards one of three furnaces.

History of Krematorium D

Das Krematorium D was built in the early 1900s. The building stands on an elevated position. This is for very good reason; this area has a high groundwater level. Most of the building, especially the furnaces, had to be above ground to prevent flooding. At this time the Krematorium was considered very modern.

During the 1930s the crematorium was expanded, in response to increasing demand for cremation. To the rear of the building, more office and staff sanitation facilities were added. The previously open colonnades to the left and right of the building were walled up. The newly created space provided additional cold storage areas for the deceased. At this time, an inventive side-line business was established. Das Krematorium D had invested in a new, highly efficient ice-making machine for the lower floor. This ice was then sold onto other customers and businesses. I cannot find more information about who exactly purchased this ice (hopefully not the catering industry!)

It is likely that around 10,000 deceased were cremated here over a period of around 85 years. Firstly, the mourning hall closed in the 1980s. After this time there were no viewings, only the cremation service was available. The crematorium remained in service until the 1990s, before Das Krematorium D shut down. Now this imposing building stands silent and (mostly) sealed.